Heathrow Airport: proposed Unite industrial action (31 March – 9 April)

Heathrow Airport: Unite industrial action (31 March – 9 April)

Between 31 March and 9 April 2023, industrial action is expected to take place by Unite members employed by Heathrow Airport, including Terminal 5 and campus security guards.

Heathrow has confirmed the airport will remain open and operational but there will be a knock-on impact across the airport if the strike goes ahead, and customers may experience longer wait times at Terminal 3 Security. our priority is to ensure that if you’re travelling on a strike day, that you can complete your travel plans as smoothly as possible.

We continue to work with Heathrow to understand the impact on customers at our home in Terminal 3 during this popular Easter holiday travel window.

Flexible policy for customers departing between 31 March and 2 April

Between 31 March and 2 April – the first three days of the strike – we expect the airport to be particularly busy, with longer Security wait times.

To support existing customers with departing flights, we and our partner Delta Air Lines have introduced a flexible policy which allows free of charge rebooking to your whole itinerary, if you’d prefer to avoid the busiest strike days. We’ve also limited new ticket sales for departing flights on these days.

If you’re booked to depart from Heathrow Airport between 31 March and 2 April and you booked before 24 March, you can change the dates of your whole itinerary free of charge (admin fee and fare difference waived), subject to availability. The new travel date(s) (if a return booking, in both directions) must be no later than 30 June 2023 and on the same route and cabin class. To make a change, if you booked directly with us, simply go here to request the change, using the web chat service. If you booked via a travel agent, please contact them directly to request the change.

Preparing for travel

To uphold the best possible experience for everyone during the strike action:

• Check your flight status via the homepage before setting off to the airport.
• Arrive no more than three hours before departure. That should generally be plenty of time to drop bags and clear airport checks, depending on the size of your group.
• Check hand luggage rules and consider minimising what you bring through Security in order to avoid unnecessary delays at Security search. You must not have liquids, creams, gels, pastes and aerosols over 100ml or sharp items or tools. Large electronic devices like laptops need to be in a separate tray. By being extra-prepared for Security you’ll help keep everyone moving.
• Prepare your travel documents in advance, including Covid-19 documents if your destination requires them. Checking in online in the 24 hours before departure will simplify things at the airport.

Our teams will be on-hand in the terminal to support your journey and look forward to welcoming you onboard. Heathrow Airport FAQ can also be found here.